Understanding Knowledge, Information and Data
We can understand the paradigm of knowledge, information and data in the following ways:
1. An everyday sentence:
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Knowledge
(A rose by any other name would smell as sweet).
Information
(A) (rose) (by) (any) (other) (name) (would) (smell) (as) (sweet).
Data
(A) (r)(o)(s)(e) (b)(y) (a)(n)(y) (o)(t)(h)(e)(r) (n)(a)(m)(e) (w)(o)(u)(l)(d) (s)(m)(e)(l)(l) (a)(s) (s)(w)(e)(e)(t).
2. A worldview or weltbild:
In Robert M. Pirsig’s LILA, the world can be divided into four static values: inorganic, biological, social, and intellectual. These four values or levels are both discrete and interdependent:
inorganic - biological - social - intellectual
inorganic <data> biological <information> social <knowledge> intellectual
Therefore:
Knowledge
is that set of values which exists between social and intellectual states/realms.
Information
is that set of values which exists between biological and social states/realms.
Data
is that set of values which exists between inorganic and biological states/realms.
3. A common recipe (via Denham Grey):
The ingredients used in a recipe represent the data; the instructions represent the information; and the cook’s past experience or ability represents the knowledge.
Data
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1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
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2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons orange extract
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1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments
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1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
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1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
Information
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Combine cake mix, 1 package of pudding, vegetable oil, orange extract, and mandarin oranges and beat well for about 3 minutes.
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Bake in 3 - 9 inch greased and floured round cake pans for 20-25 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven.
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To Make Frosting: Fold pudding and pineapple into whipped topping and frost cake. Keep refrigerated.
Knowledge
The experience of the Chef, scratch baker, etc.